Funerals
If you are visiting this page because you have recently been bereaved, we want to offer you our condolences at this sad time.

Arranging a funeral
If you need to arrange a funeral for a loved one, you first need to approach a Funeral Director.
The priest will help you select appropriate readings and religious music for the Mass. Family members are encouraged to be involved in the various parts of the liturgy, whether that is reading, bringing up gifts or being involved with the music.  In line with Church teaching and in respect to the Church setting and the presence of the Blessed Sacrament at all times in the Tabernacle, only religious music is appropriate and proper for all religious services including funerals. Secular music and favourite songs are more appropriate for the wake house or following the burial itself.  We will gladly offer any guidance we can to help you in your choice.

Funerals take place at the 10.00a.m. daily Mass in St Mary & St Joseph’s Church or in Holy Family Church or at 11.30a.m. in St. Mary’s, Stewartstown and in Ss. Mary & Joseph’s.  On Sundays funerals take place during either the 9.30am Mass in Holy Family Church or during the 11.00am Mass in St Mary’s Church.

Children at funeral services
Some adults are anxious about whether it is appropriate for children to be present at funeral services. Children need opportunities to grieve just as much as adults. Some children want to be present at funeral services, whilst others don’t. Our advice is to listen to the child and, as far as possible, follow their wishes.

After the funeral
Supporting those who have been bereaved through a time when there are so many adjustments to be made is an important part of the Church’s ministry. The parish team will visit with the family in the period after the funeral. A month’s mind Mass and 1st anniversary Mass are an important aspect of our tradition. In November each year a Remembering Service will be held for those who have died that year and all families who have been bereaved are invited to participate in that service.

Gravestones and Monuments

Our graveyards are maintained by the Parish grounds men who will be happy to assist you with any routine maintenance.  With limited space in the graveyards each double grave plot has been measured to a dimension of 6 foot 8 inches wide by 8 foot long and you’re asked to ensure grave surrounds don’t exceed these measurements.  Thank you for understanding as we try to ensure a grave exists for every family in the Parish as the years roll by.  Due to the shortage of space we cannot permit the erection of memorial benches at any place or time in the graveyard.